Ghostworks has introduced a remote-pilot autonomy system designed to let a single uncrewed vessel perform multiple naval missions without changing platforms. Unveiled at the 2026 Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, the new system, called MRLN, combines autonomous navigation with human oversight and can operate across the company’s proprietary vessel designs.

Developed with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and Mercury Marine, MRLN serves as the mission-management layer rather than a new boat. It integrates with Ghostworks’ M-Hull and powercat vessels, allowing operators to switch mission profiles while keeping a human in control throughout an operation.

Breaking traditional tradeoffs

Naval vessels typically balance speed, payload capacity, and operating range against one another. Ghostworks says MRLN works with its hull designs to give operators greater flexibility across those competing requirements without replacing the underlying platform.

The first vessel to receive the system is the Minerva class. Ghostworks says it can carry payloads of up to 17,500 pounds, cruise at 30 knots, and operate in sea state 4 conditions. Operators can remotely pilot the craft or allow it to execute autonomous functions while maintaining constant oversight.

“Our vessels were architected to break that constraint,” Ghostworks CEO Brooke Kerschbaumer said . She added that MRLN gives crews human-in-the-loop command over mission priorities without requiring different vessels for different tasks.

Unlike a fixed mission package, the software lets operators modify mission settings in the field. Human controllers retain situational awareness throughout an operation and can assume direct control whenever necessary.

Autonomy across missions

Ghostworks designed MRLN with a modular architecture that supports different onboard synavstems without locking customers into specific hardware. The company also says the platform maintains its own communications capability, allowing it to operate in environments where traditional connectivity may be limited.

GA-ASI contributed autonomy technologies derived from its unmanned aircraft programs. Jeff Hettick, vice president of Agile Mission Systems at GA-ASI, said adapting those capabilities to maritime operations was a logical next step. He said combining expertise from multiple defense companies allowed the partners to develop new capabilities on a timeline that meets current military needs.

Mercury Marine focused on the vessel control and propulsion side of the project. Carl Greiner, director of Government & Advanced Maritime Systems, said the team validated the control reliability needed for long-duration surface missions. He added that the integration expands the performance envelope of remotely piloted maritime platforms.

Five roles, one vessel

Ghostworks says MRLN-equipped vessels can shift between several mission types without extensive hardware changes. Planned missions include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, autonomous littoral resupply, mine countermeasure missions, communications relay, and combat logistics support in contested coastal waters.

The system aims to reduce the need for dedicated vessels assigned to individual roles. Instead, commanders can reconfigure a single platform as operational demands change, giving naval forces greater flexibility while keeping personnel out of high-risk environments during dangerous missions.